Document type
Journal articles
Document subtype
Full paper
Title
Edible Seaweeds Extracts: Characterization and Functional Properties for Health Conditions
Participants in the publication
Mariana Coelho (Author)
Ana Patrícia Duarte (Author)
Sofia Pinto (Author)
Hugo M. Botelho (Author)
BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute
Dep. Química e Bioquímica
Catarina Pinto Reis (Author)
Maria Luísa Serralheiro (Author)
BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute
Rita Pacheco (Author)
Summary
Seaweeds are popular foods due to claimed beneficial health effects, but for many there is a lack of scientific evidence. In this study, extracts of the edible seaweeds Aramé, Nori, and Fucus are compared. Our approach intends to clarify similarities and differences in the health properties of these seaweeds, thus contributing to target potential applications for each. Additionally, although Aramé and Fucus seaweeds are highly explored, information on Nori composition and bioactivities is scarce. The aqueous extracts of the seaweeds were obtained by decoction, then fractionated and characterized according to their composition and biological activity. It was recognized that fractioning the extracts led to bioactivity reduction, suggesting a loss of bioactive compounds synergies. The Aramé extract showed the highest antioxidant activity and Nori exhibited the highest potential for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The identification of the bioactive compounds in the extracts allowed to see that these contained a mixture of phloroglucinol polymers, and it was suggested that Nori’s effect on acetylcholinesterase inhibition may be associated with a smaller sized phlorotannins capable of entering the enzyme active site. Overall, these results suggest a promising potential for the use of these seaweed extracts, mainly Aramé and Nori, in health improvement and management of diseases, namely those associated to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
Date of Publication
2023-03-10
Where published
Antioxidants
Publication Identifiers
ISSN - 2076-3921
Publisher
MDPI AG
Document Identifiers
DOI -
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030684
URL -
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030684